[BL] Seducing Male Leads To Survive As A Villain In A Novel-Chapter 344: Under Arrest

"Your Majesty, I think there must be some misunderstanding here. We didn’t take any of your things. I think you should check around yourself more carefully," Elvis explained, trying to remain civil.

But the Emperor already wore a satisfied smile. "I can’t believe I’m being accused of being delusional and lying. That’s outrageous, coming from a mere prince of some fallen land ruled by a lady who killed her husband."

Lysander was pissed. "How can you—" he tried speaking, but Elvis stopped him, keeping his cool.

Elvis forced a smile. "We’re not accusing you of anything. And we apologize if it came off that way. I’m just saying that we didn’t steal anything, and you should check carefully before making such accusations..."

The Emperor scoffed. "Is that so? Then why don’t we search? Because thieves would never acknowledge what they’ve done until the truth is out."

"Sure. You can do that," Lysander said confidently.

The Emperor smiled as he stared at the guards. He was calm and related with his words and instructions "Search them!"

The guards nodded and dismounted. They approached Elvis and Lysander, who also came down from their horses to be searched.

The guards began searching, going through their clothes and pockets. They took their time going through them thoroughly. And in the process, one of the guards pulled a golden plaque from Lysander’s clothes.

"Found it!" he said, raising the Imperial plaque for the Emperor to see.

The Emperor smiled.

Lysander was utterly shocked and speechless. "What the..." He ran a hand over his body. "I didn’t take it! I didn’t..." He stared at Elvis. "I didn’t take it... I don’t know how it got there... I swear I didn’t..." He was panicking.

But Elvis kept a calm expression. He didn’t seem surprised or shocked from anything that was happening at the moment.

The Emperor laughed as the guard brought the plaque to him. He took it and stared at it.

"Like I said, thieves will never accept that they stole it until the truth is out. And it is now," he stared at them. "So what else would you like to say?"

Lysander glared at the Emperor. "I didn’t steal it. You clearly did something. You framed me."

The Emperor laughed. "Now you’re accusing me? Why would I waste my time doing that for someone like you? It’s not like either of you are worth it," he said.

Lysander was speechless. He had utterly lost the words to defend himself. He simply stared at the Emperor.

Elvis, on the other hand, had a calm expression. He knew the Emperor was up to something like this. But he was too late, and he couldn’t predict it in time.

And now they were caught in the Emperor’s trap.

There was nothing he could do right now, because it was clear the Emperor was going through with his plan to take them hostage.

He’d just have to think of a way out of it later.

"I don’t have much time to waste with the two of you. I don’t even know why I’m negotiating with some thieves who claim to be princes." The Emperor stared at one of the guards. "Take them. We shall return to the palace where they will be locked up. Let’s go."

The guards seized Elvis and Lysander. Lysander struggled to break free, while Elvis simply went with them. They took the both of them onto their horses and left with the Emperor, all heading back to the Imperial Palace to hold them hostage.

*****

The fire show was still on, running through the sky and evolving now into fireworks. Eden was playing with it, putting on a show for the general public.

He and Helen were enjoying it, standing in their spot while watching the fire display in the sky.

At some point, Eden grew bored.

"Let’s get going. I’m already tired," he said.

"What about the dark spell? Has it been cleared?" Helen inquired.

"Yeah. Everything is clear now," Eden stared into the sky. "Although I might have some theories about it..."

"What theories?" Helen asked.

Eden wanted to speak but hesitated. "We’ll talk about it when we get back."

Helen nodded.

The two of them turned and walked out of the corner. They were making their way back into the bustling street when Helen caught sight of something.

She instantly pulled Eden out of the spot and back into a corner. Eden also saw what she had seen, and they both hid.

Some groups of Imperial guards were moving through the market path. It was clear they were actively searching for someone.

"Imperial guards..." Helen said.

"They’re out for me," Eden scoffed. "I guess our Emperor was quick to catch my presence. He sent some people to visit me."

"What are you going to do?" Helen inquired.

"Run from them, of course," he smiled.

When the guards had gone far enough, Eden and Helen stepped into the streets and began hastening through the paths. They moved quickly while looking around to make sure the guards didn’t find them.

They moved in haste as the bustling sounds of the market filled the air. They ignored the dancing, the chatting and laughter, the market vendors urging people to come and buy things.

They ignored it all while heading for the quickest route back to the academy.

"Fuck," Eden cursed at the sight of more Imperial guards ahead. They were heading in their direction. Eden and Helen panicked as they moved backward. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

They turned and picked up masquerade masks from a shop, dropped some coins, and put the masks over their faces.

"Do they even know your face?" Helen asked.

"Who cares," Eden said, in a hurry as they rushed through the streets, trying to avoid the men who were now going around, looking through people one by one.

They maneuvered their way through the men and were heading toward another route when a guard called from behind.

"Stop there!"

Helen and Eden came to an abrupt halt.